Sacrifice Hits

Immense resources were expended by the United States during the Second World War and sacrifices were made throughout the country. Not even rural Richfield, MN was spared. From watching their precious victory gardens dry up due to water restrictions to having to store up coal for winter shortages, the war touched every aspect the people of Richfield’s lives. Even the mayor, Homer Kinney, had to serve double duty as both mayor and village attorney while still receiving a single salary to save the city needed money. This article “Sacrifice Hits” appeared in the July 8, 1943 edition of the Richfield News and listed some of the hardships Richfielders faced during the grueling summer of 1943.

This excerpt describes reduced festivities for the 4th of July – sending the rockets at the enemy instead – and a reminder of the upcoming tin can drive. This article wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. It was the first to let Richfield residents know about a powerful, newly discovered drug that could revolutionize medicine – penicillin. It also describes to amazed housewives everywhere General Electric’s power washing machines with “automatic features beyond our present conception.”

Learn more about Richfield and Minnesota during the war and browse wartime newspapers yourself by visiting the Richfield History Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays 12-4.